Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Gaetano Donizetti's "Mary Stuart," a historic opera that masterfully blends drama, intrigue, and powerful vocals. Released on April 1, 1999, under the Chandos label, this two-hour and sixteen-minute masterpiece is a testament to Donizetti's genius and his ability to create compelling, emotionally charged narratives.
"Mary Stuart" is a dramatic journey through the tumultuous life of Mary, Queen of Scots, as she navigates the treacherous waters of political intrigue and personal conflict. The opera is a rich tapestry of arias and ensembles, each one showcasing the depth and range of the characters and the exceptional talent of the performers. From the hauntingly beautiful solo arias to the intense, dramatic choruses, every moment is filled with passion and intensity.
The album features a stellar cast of singers, each bringing their unique voice and interpretation to their respective roles. The interplay between Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I, in particular, is a highlight, offering a fascinating exploration of power, jealousy, and the complexities of female rivalry.
Donizetti's score is a marvel of orchestration, with lush, romantic melodies that perfectly complement the dramatic narrative. The music ranges from tender and lyrical to powerful and dramatic, providing a rich and varied soundscape that enhances the storytelling.
"Mary Stuart" is not just an opera; it's an experience. It's a chance to step back in time and witness one of the most dramatic periods in history through the lens of one of opera's greatest composers. Whether you're a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
1999 Chandos Records1999 Chandos Records
Tracks
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52: PreludeGaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: Let us wait here (Voice, Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: Yes, but the French Prince is seeking… (Elizabeth)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: If fortune one day should send to me… (Elizabeth)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: In this moment of rejoicing (Talbot, Elizabeth, Cecil, Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, John Tomlinson, Alan Opie, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: May the light of wisdom and justice (Elizabeth, Cecil, Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: But, where is the Earl of Dudley? (Elizabeth, Cecil, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, David Rendall
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: Did you not ask to see me, earlier today? (Dudley, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, David Rendall, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: I remember these lovely features (Dudley, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, David Rendall, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: If she dare trust in me (Dudley, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, David Rendall, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: Do I disturb you? (Elizabeth, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: How affecting … Is she relenting? (Elizabeth, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: When I first looked upon her face (Elizabeth, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: My arrogant rival has long sought to rob me (Elizabeth, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: Why run so fast, my lady? (Hannah, Mary)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Angela Bostock
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: You murmuring breezes … (Mary)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: What tumult! Those voices! (Mary, Hannah, Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Angela Bostock, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: In the peace of my gloomy seclusion (Mary, Hannah, Ladies)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Angela Bostock, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: Ah! May this joy not deceive me (Mary, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: Long by the world forsaken (Mary, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: All too well I surely know her! Ah! Though my spirit never faltered (Mary, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: What place is this then? (Elizabeth, Dudley, Cecil, Talbot, Mary)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: Report has not failed me (Elizabeth, Mary, Talbot, Hannah, Dudley, Cecil)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, John Tomlinson, Angela Bostock
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: Bid her welcome! (Dudley, Elizabeth, Talbot, Mary)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: Dead to justice, throne and kingdom (Mary, Cecil, Elizabeth, Dudley, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: Go, prepare yourself for sentence (Mary, Cecil, Elizabeth, Dudley, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 1: Still pensive? Still delaying? (Cecil, Elizabeth)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 1: While she's living I'm still in danger (Cecil, Elizabeth)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 1: Your Highness! You do but speed her execution (Dudley, Elizabeth, Cecil)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, David Rendall
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 1: You have conspired a sister's death (Dudley, Elizabeth, Cecil)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, David Rendall
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 2: Elizabeth will continue to mock and insult me (Mary, Cecil)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Alan Opie
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 2: Oh faithful Talbot! (Mary, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 2: Once all the radiant joys of youth (Mary, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 2: There still remains another charge (Mary, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 2: No, I never turned from my Saviour (Mary, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 2: Go leave this world of grief behind (Mary, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 3: You saw them? (Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 3: Hannah! Do not disturb her (Hannah, Mary, Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Angela Bostock, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 3: Oh, deign to hear our prayer, merciful Saviour! (Hannah, Mary, Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Angela Bostock, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 3: The signal (All, Cecil, Mary)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Alan Opie, Rosalind Plowright, John Tomlinson, David Rendall, Angela Bostock
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 3: Death hovers near me, so take my pardon (Mary, Hannah, Talbot, Cecil, Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Alan Opie, John Tomlinson, Angela Bostock, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 3: Dudley approaches (Talbot, Mary, Dudley, Cecil)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Alan Opie, John Tomlinson, David Rendall
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 3: Though you once made a vow to protect me (Mary, Dudley, Talbot, Hannah, Chorus, CecilGaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Alan Opie, John Tomlinson, Angela Bostock, David Rendall, English National Opera Chorus
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